Altamura Car Hire

Guide of Altamura

Geography

The town of Altamura is located less than 50 km (around 31 miles) from Bari in Puglia, the ‘heel’ of Itly’s boot. It sits on one of the hills on the Murge plateau, not far from the border with Basilicata.

Climate in Altamura

Altamura has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. July is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures averaging highs of 31.3°C. The coolest month in the town is January, with temperatures varying between 10.8°C and 4.4°C. The driest month is June, with 2 mm of rainfall and 30 days of sunshine.

If you’re looking for guaranteed sunny days and hot weather, summer is the best time to travel to Puglia. However, if you’re hoping to avoid the crowds and soaring temperatures, spring and autumn both offer pleasant temperatures, with fewer tourists.

Culture

The history of Altamura dates back to the Bronze Age and you can still see traces of the huge megalithic walls created here between the 6th – 3rd centuries BC. Emperor Frederick II refounded the town in the 13th century and ordered the construction of Altamura Cathedral, one of the most venerated sanctuaries in Puglia.

The town was later ruled by various feudal families who bestowed considerable artistic patrimony on the region, much of which you can still see in the town.

In the 18th century, the town acquired the nickname “the Lioness of Puglia” due to its epic resistance against papal troops. Today, it’s better known as the ‘bread basket’ of Puglia, thanks to its world-famous bread, Pane di Altamura.

Things To Do in Altamura

Meander around the historical centre

Altamura is brimming with history and culture, with curiosities for every age. The Palazzo Baldassarre, built at the turn of the 17th century, is one of the town’s greatest examples of civil engineering. Inside, there’s a museum housing the fossil skeleton of the ‘Altamura Man’. The Piazza Duomo hosts a weekly market and is always bustling with activity too.

Take a look at the Altamura Cathedral

When Emporer Frederick II refounded the town, he commissioned an extraordinary church – the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Built on the remnants of an old Saracen temple, the cathedral quickly became one of the most famous cathedrals in southern Italy. The exterior is typically Gothic in style, with pointed arched and two symmetrical bell towers, while the interiors feature wooden ceilings with gold stuccoes and a spectacular marble altar.

Take a pilgrimage

If you’ve got the stamina – and the time – you could try hiking along the Cammino Materano. The ancient path connects the cities of Bari and Matera, winding through deep green vineyards, ravines and charming villages along the way. The entire hike takes one week, but the route from Bari to Altamura only takes two days.

Visit Il Pulo

Located 6 km from the town centre, the looming Pulo of Altamura is the largest karst sinkhole in Upper Murgia. Plunging 93 metres into the earth with a height of 477 metres, its vertical walls are characterized by caves inhabited by man for more than 5,000 years.

Take a trip to the Castellana Caves

The Castellana Caves are a scenic one-hour drive from Altamura and a must-visit for any Puglia road trip. The vast underground system of karst caves is one of the most beautiful and spectacular in Italy.

Trek the Murgia Materana

Around 45 minutes south of Altamura, just beyond Matera is the Murgia Materana. This historic park is packed full of ravines, caves and rock churches, making it one of the most fascinating landscapes in the region. Porcupines, wild boars, wild cats and Egyptian vultures roam the land and skies too.

Eating Out in Altamura

Altamura is renowned for its bread, which became the first bakery product in Europe to gain PDO status. It either comes as a tall, folded loaf or folded into the shape of a priest’s hat, and you’ll find it sold warm at every bakery in the town. The town is also well-known for its olive oil, sausages and orecchiette pasta.

You’ll find excellent restaurants dotted across the town, but for the best pizza, try Pizzeria Binario 24. If you’re itching to try some of the town’s famous bread, head to Panificio di Gesu. Or, better yet, try some of the town’s phenomenal focaccia transformed into a gourmet sandwich at Il Teatro del Gusto.

Transport

Airport

The closest airport to Altamura is Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport (BRI), situated 39 km away. Most major international and domestic airlines serve the airport, including many budget European airlines. It takes around 40 minutes to drive from the airport to the town centre. If you haven’t hired a car, you can take the bus or a train. The bus takes around one hour and travels directly from the airport to Altamura train station. The train takes a little longer, as you’ll need to travel to Bari Train Station to pick up a connection. The journey takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Getting Around Altamura

Altamura is a relatively compact town. You should be able to tick off most of its central sights on foot or by bicycle. Public transport is cheap and easy to use too. However, many of Altamura’s most famous sights are located outside the town centre in the countryside. To reach these, you’ll either need to book a tour, transfer or hire a car. We recommend hiring your own vehicle for more flexibility.